Australia’s major political parties are under fire for neglecting urgent climate and biodiversity issues. Despite pressing environmental crises, both the Labor Party and the Coalition have been reluctant to take meaningful action. This trend raises questions about whether the political landscape is shifting further to the Right, especially with One Nation’s rising influence.
The recent appointment of Matt Canavan as leader of the National Party and Angus Taylor’s heading the Liberal Party reflects this shift. Voter frustration grows as both parties sidestep significant climate initiatives. The Albanese Government’s environmental agenda has faced criticism for lacking ambition, particularly regarding the absence of a climate trigger in the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act. Unfortunately, the Greens have not offered a compelling alternative, focusing more on social advocacy than on environmental reform.
Recent findings from the Biodiversity Council reveal a troubling trend: less than 1% of Australia’s national budget is allocated to environmental protection, while a staggering $26 billion per year is spent on activities harmful to nature. A council spokesperson noted that this figure is four times the federal investment in public schools and twenty-five times what is spent on environmental care.
The subsidization of fossil fuels leads the list of these harmful activities, overshadowing investment in renewable energy projects. Professor Martine Maron, a member of the Biodiversity Council, commented on the need for subsidy reform, asserting it could save billions and actually benefit the environment. “These subsidies far exceed what scientists say is necessary for ecological restoration,” she explained.
Canavan’s track record on environmental issues is concerning. He has publicly expressed doubts about climate change, even suggesting in a 2025 ABC interview that there is “not credible evidence” for worsening droughts or floods in Australia. His vested interests in the fossil fuel industry raise further alarms about his commitment to addressing climate issues.
As the National Party under Canavan veers further from environmental stewardship, it ignores the reality that climate-related disasters like droughts and bushfires are projected to worsen. Experts warn that these issues are becoming increasingly severe due to climate change.
Meanwhile, Albanese’s government continues to approve a record number of wind farm projects while simultaneously endorsing multiple fossil fuel initiatives. This dual approach has generated mixed feelings. While wind energy contributes to the fight against climate change, critics argue the process is riddled with loopholes, allowing projects to bypass rigorous environmental standards.
Environmental advocates have urged for urgent national conversations about the balance between fossil fuel dependency and renewable energy. There is growing concern that the environmental impacts of coal and gas extraction will overshadow efforts to shift toward cleaner energy sources. Furthermore, with an ongoing conflict impacting global oil supplies, Australia must assess its dependence on imported petroleum.
Innovative solutions are needed as the country grapples with energy security. The CSIRO has proposed leveraging biomass from agricultural waste to create liquid fuels. However, critics worry about the long-term implications for soil health and biodiversity if these materials aren’t properly managed.
It’s apparent that Australia’s environmental policies must change course. To foster a sustainable future, political parties need to acknowledge scientific evidence and community concerns. The environmental impacts of current practices cannot be ignored. If there’s to be any hope for healthier ecosystems and human livelihoods, reforming subsidies and increasing support for sustainable practices is essential.
Sue Arnold is an investigative journalist focusing on environmental issues. Follow her on Twitter @koalacrisis.
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CLIMATE CRISIS, environment policy, biodiversity crisis, climate change, Matt Canavan, Anthony Albanese, Auspol, Coalition, Labor Party, Greens, One Nation, Biodiversity Council, fossil fuel subsidies, wind farms, EPBC Act, renewable energy projects, environmental legislation, threatened species, ecological destruction, Australian politics, Sue Arnold
